The moment Ezra cast a glance at those suddenly "well-behaved" pirates, he didn't bother to linger. Turning on his heel, he strode back toward Loguetown, leaving the shaken pirates to scatter like frightened birds.
When the island once again fell into eerie calm, a pirate ship crept stealthily toward the shore. Three figures jumped down and rushed to the spot where Katakuri lay motionless.
What they saw made their blood run cold Katakuri's once-imposing body had been reduced to barely half its former form, a broken mess of blood and power.
"H-Holy hell... what kind of wound is this...?" one of them stammered.
"Big bro, you sure he can still be saved?!" another asked in disbelief.
The man in the lead let out a helpless sigh. "No idea... but let's try anyway. We wanted to join Big Mom's crew, right? Guess this is part of the price."
With grim determination, the three of them hoisted Katakuri's body and carried him back onto their ship. Within moments, the vessel vanished into the horizon, leaving only waves to whisper of the carnage that had taken place.
Meanwhile, back in Loguetown
Ezra sat lazily in his office, legs propped on the desk, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. His sharp gaze rested on the guest before him no ordinary visitor, but a gentlemanly white albatross in a pressed suit.
The guest was none other than the infamous news magnate whose influence spanned every corner of the sea the president of the World Economy News Paper, the birdman himself: Morgans.
"Well, well... Morgans," Ezra drawled, amusement flickering in his eyes. "What wind blew a shadow emperor like you all the way here?"
Morgans blinked in surprise, caught off guard that Ezra actually knew about his underworld title. He chuckled awkwardly, feathers ruffling slightly.
"Hahaha, Vice Admiral Ezra, you flatter me! How could I ever dare call myself an emperor in front of someone like you? With your potential, you might well become the next Fleet Admiral someday!"
Ezra's eyebrow arched. "Not bad, Morgans... with that silver tongue of yours, it's no wonder you've managed to make friends in every dark corner of the world."
Morgans bowed courteously. "You're too kind. Still, I came here today for a particular reason."
He reached into his sleek leather briefcase and carefully pulled out a single document.
"Vice Admiral Ezra, please have a look."
Ezra took the file with mild curiosity. It was surprisingly thin just one page. He flipped it open and scanned the contents quickly.
When he finished reading, his gaze sharpened.
The document listed the exact date and guest list for Big Mom's upcoming tea party.
Ezra's expression darkened. "Morgans... what exactly are you playing at?"
A suffocating wave of pressure rippled from him, heavy and scorching his spiritual energy flaring like invisible fire.
He knew Morgans well enough to understand one thing: this bird wasn't a fool. Morgans had always been a regular guest at those tea parties. For him to leak this information... something was off.
"V-Vice Admiral Ezra! Please, calm down!" Morgans stammered, cold sweat dripping down his beak. "I swear, this is just a gift a token of goodwill, nothing more!"
But Ezra didn't relent. The spiritual pressure pressing down on Morgans was overwhelming far more terrifying than any Yonko he'd ever spoken to.
He'd interviewed Big Mom, Kaido, even Whitebeard in his prime but never, never had he felt fear like this.
Ezra's gaze was calm yet merciless, like a predator dissecting its prey. After a long, tense silence, he slowly withdrew the pressure.
Morgans gasped, hurriedly wiping the sweat from his brow. But before he could speak, Ezra raised his right hand, pointing a single finger toward him. A searing ember of crimson energy began to swirl at his fingertip.
"W-Wait! Vice Admiral Ezra—!"
Before Morgans could finish, the red energy shot forward, piercing straight into his chest.
"AAAAHHH!!"
The scream echoed through the office. Morgans felt as if molten metal was coursing through his veins, his very bones rattling in agony. It was as though ten thousand insects were gnawing at his flesh, burning away every trace of resistance.
Seconds felt like hours but then, just as suddenly, the pain was gone.
Morgans looked down, gasping. A strange warmth surged through his body, powerful and vibrant. He raised a trembling hand
A burst of flame erupted from his palm.
"T-This... what is this power?!" he breathed, wide-eyed.
Ezra leaned back, a thin smile playing on his lips. "How does it feel, Morgans? That strength pulsing inside you."
For a moment, the albatross was speechless. Then, trembling with exhilaration, he whispered, "Incredible... I've never felt this strong before!"
But beneath the excitement, he wasn't stupid. Power like this never came free.
Ezra's smile deepened. "You can use that power however you wish. But remember..." His tone dropped, sharp as a blade. "Your life now belongs to me."
He leaned forward slightly, his crimson eyes glowing faintly. "Disobey me... and I'll make sure your body becomes the brightest firework in the sky."
Morgans froze. For a brief instant, Ezra didn't look like a marine at all. He looked like a demon.
"I-I wouldn't dare!" Morgans stammered, falling to one knee. "Lord Ezra, I swear I'll never betray you!"
Ezra nodded approvingly. "Good. With your brains, I'm sure you'll make the right choices. Just remember our connection stays a secret."
"Yes, Lord Ezra!"
Morgans bowed deeply, then retreated from the office. Moments later, his massive wings unfurled, and he took off into the sky, vanishing into the clouds.
Ezra watched him disappear, his expression unreadable.
To him, Morgans was a small player in a much larger game. But even small pieces could tip the board in unexpected ways.
And who knew? Perhaps that sly bird might one day stir up a storm greater than anyone could imagine.
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